The Gershwin Prize isn't just any old award. The Library of CongressGershwin Prize for Popular Song is a prestigious award that is honored to artists who have shown true excellence in music. With only seven recipients to date, this is an exclusive club to be apart of!

Which is why there's no wonder that this would be one of the greatest things to ever happen to Willie Nelson. He is a true pioneer in music with a 60-year career that has spanned the genres of country, blues, folk, rock, jazz, and even reggae.

Created in 2007 for George and Ira Gershwin who made their mark on popular music with songs like, "I've Got Rhythm" and "Embraceable You". The prize is given in their honor, and serves as a reminder for all that the artists contributed to popular music.

Nelson took the stage to express how grateful he was for the honor stating:

“Thank you so much for a wonderful evening. This is one of the greatest things that has happened to me in my life. A lot of great things have happened to me in 82 years, but this is one of the best . . . And I want to thank the artists who outdid themselves playing songs, some of which I actually remember.”

Nelson is the first country artist to receive the award and joins past recipients, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Burt Bacharach and Hal David, Carole King, and Billy Joel.

Watch Nelson receive the award in the video below, along with a live performance of "There's Room For Everyone in America".